“Your fiancée coming too?” Oscar asked.

Hannah glared at him, but he ignored her. Charles dismissed the suggestion: “She doesn’t drink.”

“Is that so?” Oscar smiled, a smile no one could decipher. Even Hannah couldn't guess his thoughts; he seemed different, unlike his usual careless and smug self.

“If you mind, I can drink on Hannah’s behalf, Mr. Wells,” Charles offered.

“Since you’re so protective, I’ll accept your offer. Cheers,” Oscar replied, immediately downing his drink. Charles followed suit, then poured another, needing two glasses each time to represent himself and Hannah.

Theodore and Susan were engrossed in their song, but at Oscar's signal, Theodore put down his microphone and went to toast Charles. They were subtly trying to intoxicate him. Susan glared at Theodore with resentment. They were mid-song! She considered giving Henry the microphone, but Theodore's ominous words gave her pause. Ridiculous as it sounded, what if they were true?

She put down her microphone, ceasing to sing, but a deep voice continued the song—Manuel’s. It was good. Susan crisply handed Mary her microphone. “You sing.”

“I don’t know this song,” Mary refused hastily.

Jane sensed Susan’s gaze. “Neither do I.”

Susan was speechless. She glanced at Henry, sitting alone in a corner. Not from a wealthy family, he hadn't always blended with the upper-class crowd. A year's work experience had improved his social skills, but he likely wouldn't have attended such a gathering previously.

Susan tossed her microphone onto a table and went to Henry. Worried he felt out of place, she always tried to show him support.

Henry smiled faintly as she approached, then embraced her naturally. Manuel watched briefly before resuming his singing.

Theodore returned from drinking, finding Manuel singing both parts. He joined, taking the female part. The song suited Manuel well.

Meanwhile, Charles was busy toasting, drinking twice for Hannah each time. Despite the alcohol, he enjoyed the attention and didn't refuse any toasts, downing each drink quickly. Soon, he was quite drunk.

He whispered to Hannah, “I’m going to the toilet.”

“Can you manage?” Hannah feigned worry, their intimacy obvious to everyone.

Jane seethed with jealousy. Were it not for Hannah's Cooper Group inheritance, she wouldn't feel so out of place, so lacking in confidence. She was frustrated, and her mother was furious. Michelle had become a prominent socialite overnight; if Jane's father, not Hannah's, had inherited the Cooper family fortune, her mother would have had Michelle's position and lifestyle.

Jane felt wronged, concealing her resentment, though almost driven to separate Charles and Hannah. Luckily, they only exchanged words before Charles left the suite. Before Jane could react, Mary whispered, “Sis, Charles has gone out.”

Initially wanting to scold Mary for the obvious, Jane instantly understood the implication. Mary, though irritating and looked down upon, was unscrupulous, a trait that might prove useful.

Jane discreetly left the room. However, Hannah had seen her go.

After a while, Charles returned, seemingly more sober. The toasting resumed. Jane returned much later, her cheeks flushed, hinting at embarrassment. The others continued drinking and singing; the atmosphere was lively.

Charles, pressured by Theodore to drink, completely ignored Hannah. She got up and left, unnoticed by him. Charles was currying favor with Theodore, whose family's background was appealing. He often ignored Hannah when pursuing his own goals.

Hannah waited by the door; Oscar emerged. They walked into the corridor.

Hannah muttered, “Later, I’ll arrange for Jane to send Charles back.”

Oscar was silent.

“And when they leave, have Theodore arrange discreet surveillance.”

“It’s only a month until your wedding. Are you sure Charles will do something?”

“Very sure. He won’t change in such a short time. Jane’s envy makes action likely.”

“Then I can scrap Theodore’s… other plan?” Oscar asked monotonously.

“Yes, I don’t need it.”

“Really? Or are you preparing an escape route?” Oscar's mouth curled in a sardonic smile.

Hannah understood after a moment. “I never hold back. I won’t betray Charles.”

“Is that so?” Oscar doubted.

“You’ll see tonight.” Hannah turned to leave, but Oscar, slightly drunk, pinned her against the wall. He was dangerous.